Ottawa — Work on the massive rehabilitation of Parliament Hill’s Centre Block has now reached roughly the halfway point, offering a rare look at the transformation of one of Canada’s most iconic and historic structures.
The multi-year restoration project, which is expected to span more than a decade, focuses on modernizing the heart of the Canadian Parliament while preserving its architectural and historical significance. At the center of the redevelopment is the creation of a new, state-of-the-art underground welcome centre, designed to improve safety, accessibility, and visitor experience.
Recent images from the site reveal workers deep within the excavation area where the welcome centre is being constructed, highlighting the scale and complexity of the undertaking. Heavy equipment, reinforced structures and ongoing groundwork demonstrate steady progress as engineers and construction crews continue their work beneath Parliament Hill.
The Centre Block, which houses the Senate Chamber, the House of Commons chamber, and the iconic Peace Tower, has been closed since 2019 to allow for the extensive upgrades. The rehabilitation includes seismic reinforcement, replacement of outdated mechanical and electrical systems, and the careful restoration of stonework and heritage elements dating back over a century.
Officials involved in the project describe it as one of the most significant heritage rehabilitation efforts ever conducted in Canada. The goal is not only to preserve a national symbol for future generations but also to ensure the building meets modern safety, sustainability and accessibility standards.
Construction continues daily behind secured fencing surrounding the East and West lawns of Parliament Hill. While the iconic façade remains familiar, much of the interior has been stripped down for restoration and renewal.
The Centre Block renovation is expected to be completed in the early to mid-2030s, representing one of the largest and most technically challenging infrastructure projects in the country’s history.
